Krit Upra; A Magnificent Photographer In His Peak

Photos courtesy of Krit Upra

Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.

Well, my name is Krit Upra. I am from Chiang Rai, Thailand. I went to three high schools: CRMS6 High School (Chiang Rai), Bartlett High School (Memphis, Tennessee), and EF International Academy (Tarrytown New York). I currently attend the Rochester Institute of Technology and I am pursuing a dual degree in Fine Art Photography and Biomedical Photography.

What inspired you to be a photographer? Early experiences worth sharing?

When I was in high school I tore my ligament Sophomore year in Memphis. I was heavily involved in track and soccer at the time. However, I wanted to stay involved somehow with sports, I tried again but the pain was unbearable. That is when I picked up photography. I started photographing the teams and my photography has grown and stayed with me ever since.

Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.

When I first started Floated Alternative Culture Magazine, a lot of people didn’t think I could make it happen. I damn well proved them wrong, obviously. I think that the opposition that I was met with helped push me to make sure that this magazine is a huge part of this community.

What do you believe sets you apart from other photographers?

I have to constantly prove myself. Prove that I have the talent and skills to stay here in the United States. I don’t have the time to slack off. I am constantly improving my skills and learning from those around me. My goal is to stay in the United States and I am determined to make a positive impact in this community (Rochester) that I have grown to love and feel passionate towards.

Do you have other interests or hobbies?

I love long boarding around with my dog Taco. I also have a deeply rooted interest in music, having played in a band while in high school. Floated Alternative Culture Magazine has allowed me to connect with musicians all around the world and show others in the community the talented bands and artists that fly under the radar.

Any projects you have out or currently working on?

I am currently working on issues three and four of Floated Alternative Culture Magazine. I am fully committed to making sure that these issues illustrate the best of alternative culture.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

I would like for the magazine to be BIG, a large influence within the community, and helping talented artists and bands reach the fame they deserve. The ultimate goal for this magazine is to make Rochester and this supportive community known by more than just the people in the surrounding area, but those in the United States and elsewhere in the world.

What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers/photographers?

Keep pushing, keep working hard. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others, the worst that can happen is someone saying no. Promote yourself, social media is IMPORTANT! Networking is key to your success and the success of those you are networking with. Don’t ever give up, find something you are passionate about and run with it!

Talker of the Town is a continuation of conversations begun in three Democratic Chronicle blogs: Make City Schools Better, Unite Rochester and the Editorial Board.
Since February 2013, urban education has been the primary focus. Now, the flowering of topics is limited only by our imaginations.

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